Ludlow

Ludlow accommodation, shops, festivals and more

” Ludlow….is probably the loveliest town in England with its hill of Georgian houses ascending from the river Teme to the great tower of the cross-shaped church, rising behind a classic market building.” – John Betjeman, 1943.

Standing proudly over the town is Ludlow Castle; witness to many a battle over the centuries but none so gripping as the title of ‘Festival Loaf’ at Ludlow Food Festival. Ludlow has a well deserved reputation for quality food and drink, with farmers markets selling local produce to independent butchers, bakers, delicatessens and food shops. You’ll find a selection of small, family-owned businesses that sell quality products with a personal touch.

Ludlow restaurants are renowned for their fine food. Try the Csons bistro at Dinham Green, under the Castle, or the Charlton Arms on the banks of the River Teme, a spot of Italy at the Chichetti Bar, or France at The French Pantry. Visit Ludlow’s very own Brewery and our friendly, historic inns. Ludlow Food Centre is a must-visit too, where farming and food come together to create a unique shopping experience. See The Ludlow Guide for a full list of outstanding places to eat and unique shops in Ludlow, including a Ludlow Town Map and Where to Park guide.

Ludlow has around 500 listed buildings in all. Broad Street, with the Buttercross at the top and the town wall gatehouse at its foot, is arguably one of the finest. The Grade II listed Feathers Hotel must be one of the most photographed buildings in Shropshire, while the Ludlow Assembly Rooms, built in the 1840s, is now a vibrant arts centre.

Seek out St Laurence’s Church, A.E. Housman’s final resting place. It’s one of Ludlow’s many vantage points and from it you can see for miles across the Shropshire Hills.

Take a guided walking tour around town or pick up a walking guide from the tourist office to take a Riverside walk along the historic Bread Walk, the views from Whitcliffe common are fabulous – and just 10 minutes stroll from the centre of Ludlow. There is great cycling, riding and walking available nearby in Mortimer Forest and the Teme Valley.

Ludlow has a wide range of accommodation to choose from; Historic hotels, Boutique town guesthouses and cosy holiday cottages. Ludlow also boasts a top quality caravan touring park, campsites and group accommodation.

Ludlow Markets

The market takes place at Castle Square in Ludlow and is the best place to find all your traditional local wares. On the second and fourth Thursday of the month there is also a farmers market selling exquisite local produce.

Ludlow Market Days
Monday: General Market
Tuesday: Closed
Wednesday: General Market
Thursday: Local Produce Every 2nd and 4th week
Friday: General
Saturday: General
Sunday: Antique & Collectors fair on 1st 3rd week

Key Events

Spring Food Festival and Marches Transport Festival
May – Celebrating great beers, bangers, bread, music and more
www.ludlowspringfestival.co.uk

The Ludlow Fringe Festival
June/July – A wide range of events from Folk to Shakespeare in Ludlow Castle and around the town
www.ludlowfringe.co.uk

Ludlow Food Festival
September – Join in the feast of a festival
www.foodfestival.co.uk

Ludlow Visitor Information

Visitor Information Centre is located in the Assembly Rooms just off market square, 01584 813705 or email tourism@ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk. Explore the town with the Ludlow Town Trail guide, available from local outlets. (winter- reduced opening hours).

Ludlow Town Tours

Ludlow Town Tours. Guided tours of Historic Ludlow. Summer months starting from the cannon outside the Castle at 2.30 Dates on tours on our events guide (Paul please link to all events) Private tours and special historical tours can all be arranged . Details from the Visitor Information Centre.

Ludlow Links

Farmers’ Market http://www.localtoludlow.org.uk/

Ludlow Castle, www.ludlowcastle.com

Ludlow Assembly Rooms, box office Tel 01584 878141 www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk

Ludlow Museum:  www.ludlow.gov.uk/ludlow-museum-at-the-buttercross

St. Laurence’s Church www.stlaurences.org.uk

For more information on Ludlow events see our whats on guide here

Ludlow Castle

Ludlow’s commercial heart is clustered around the market square, at the top end of which sits Ludlow Castle. Once a major administrative centre where judges, lawyers and courtiers gathered to run the vast tract of England and Wales known as the Marches, Ludlow Castle is now a Grade I listed historic monument. It proudly stands atop a cliff overlooking the River Teme.

Like most of the listed buildings in Ludlow town, the Castle has been pressed into sympathetic modern use – it remains very much a working building, acting as the town’s mediaeval equivalent of the NEC or Olympia. It’s the home of annual festivals and events.

Website: www.ludlowcastle.com